Water safety: Have fun and be safe Published Aug. 24, 2012 Submitted by 341st Missile Wing Safety MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Of the three Air Force Class A mishaps during the 2011 Critical Days of Summer, two were due to drowning. Water accidents can happen very quickly; for this reason, preparation for all water activities is vital. A recent American Red Cross survey shows that almost half the adults surveyed on water safety say they've had an experience where they nearly drowned and one in four know someone who has drowned. For many, water sports are an important part of summer. Preventing tragedy takes many forms. Examples include: · Learning lifesaving techniques, including CPR · Knowing water-sport vehicles and the limitations of each machine · Knowing the skills needed and staying within those boundaries · Ensuring safety equipment is operational · Never mixing alcohol with water activities The following websites outline some general water safety tips: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.53fabf6cc033f17a2b1ecfbf43181aa0/?vgnextoid=a6c9f837443d0210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD http://watersafety.usace.army.mil/safetytips.htm Although boating does not account for many mishaps in the Air Force, the potential for injury or death remains a concern. Use the following websites as resources when planning to hit the water on a boat: http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/default.aspx http://www.boatingsafety.com/ http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/ http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/ http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/default.asp The following websites are great tools to reference for swimming safety: http://american.redcross.org/site/DocServer/watersafety0609.pdf?docID=735 http://www.cdc.gov/migrated_content/general_information/healthyswimming/safeswimming.html http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/tips.shtml http://www.poolsafely.gov/ Boating and swimming are not the only activities associated with water and the risks that come with them. The following websites outline safety tips for activities including surfing and skiing: http://www.surfinghandbook.com/knowledge/ocean-safety/ http://hawaii.gov/health/family-child-health/ems/pdf/bigsurftips.pdf http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dbor/pwc1.htm http://www.pwia.org/ http://www.safetyresource.org/water_safety/jet_ski_safety.html